Salvia Hot Lips (3 × 9cm pots)

cherry red and white flowers. Position: full sun Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: June to September Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection) This spectacular plant displays striking red and white bi-coloured blooms on spikes, flowering from June right through to mid-autumn. This unique form shows a pure white tip with red hot lips; in the hotter months of summer it may have all red and all white flowers on the same plant. The aromatic foliage has a fine texture and small leaf, which can turn dark red in autumn. Garden care: To prolong flowering remove the flower spikes as soon they start to fade. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring. Protect from excessive cold and waterlogged soils.